SMEs

Unlocking the potential of crowdfunding

Europe’s SMEs are starved of cash. Crowdfunding represents a potential way to overcome some of the fragmentation of Europe’s capital markets and improve access to financing for start-ups, says Karen Wilson of the policy thinktank Bruegel
09 Oct 2014

Changes to procurement will spur innovation

For years the US government used public sector procurement to drive innovation. Now new EU rules will “end the dictatorship of the lowest price” allowing innovation to count in assessing bids. And simplified bidding will make it easier for SMEs to compete
11 Sep 2013

Can EU = Entrepreneurship Union?

Experts say public procurement of innovation will help spur more start-ups. But a ‘bottom-up’ approach to designing EU programmes is also vital.
04 Dec 2012

Action plan promised to boost entrepreneurship

Europe needs its SMEs to drag it out of economic crisis, but most are operating below their 2008 levels. Now the Commission is promising to get them growing with “the most ambitious action plan to boost entrepreneurship Europe has ever seen”
18 Oct 2012